Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, has clarified that the foundation does not engage in arbitration of disputes but only conducts investigations to establish facts on reported petitions , while arbitration is handled by traditional rulers mandated to do so under customary law.
He made the clarification on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the foundation’s social intervention programme.
According to him, there is a growing perception among some individuals that the Duamenefa Foundation engages in arbitration when handling petitions brought before it. He stressed that this understanding is inaccurate and must be corrected.
He explained that the foundation’s core responsibility is to investigate reported matters by gathering facts and examining the circumstances surrounding each petition. He further stated that when petitions are brought before the foundation for investigation and intervention, the foundation first consults the traditional rulers to determine whether the individuals accused persons failed to honor the traditional rulers invitation for arbitration and reconciliation. The traditional rulers instructs the foundation to pursue an independent investigation in collaboration with relevant state institutions to determine the way forward.
After the investigation process is completed, the foundation refers the matter back to the traditional rulers while working in collaboration with the relevant state institutions. He emphasised that any public arbitration conducted on such matters is carried out under the authority and leadership of traditional rulers, not the Duamenefa Foundation.
Mr. Evortepe reiterated that the foundation does not assume the role of adjudication or dispute settlement but rather serves as a fact-finding and referral body that supports the proper customary and institutional channels responsible for resolving disputes.
He noted that the clarification is important to prevent misunderstandings among the public regarding the mandate and operations of the foundation. According to him, clear communication of roles helps maintain trust and ensures that each stakeholder in the dispute-resolution process operates within its lawful and traditional boundaries.
He also highlighted the importance of cooperation among community members, traditional authorities, and state institutions in maintaining peace and ensuring that disputes are resolved in an orderly and acceptable manner. He said such collaboration strengthens the credibility of customary dispute-resolution systems.
Additionally, he cautioned against misinformation that may create confusion about the functions of institutions involved in social intervention and conflict resolution, noting that such misunderstandings can undermine public confidence in established processes.
He added that social intervention programmes remain crucial in addressing community concerns but must be properly understood by the public to avoid unrealistic expectations about the roles of organisations involved in fact-finding and mediation support.
Mr. Evortepe further stated that although the Duamenefa Foundation is a Christian-established organisation, it does not limit its investigative work to matters involving only Christians. He explained that the foundation investigates petitions from people of all backgrounds and belief systems, operating inclusively across communities to promote peace and save lives.
Finally, he stated categorically that the Duamenefa Foundation remains committed to operating strictly within the law and will not engage in activities that fall outside its legal mandate. He reiterated that the foundation will continue to respect due process, uphold institutional collaboration, and ensure that all its interventions are carried out in accordance with established legal and customary frameworks for the benefit of peaceful community resolution.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Edited by Isabella Evortepe, UEW/ Fafaa 100.3 Fm